Dispenser and related dispensing method

Abstract

A dispenser for dispensing topically applied viscous fluids from a container is provided. The dispenser includes a cap arranged on the container and having a dispensing orifice therein. The dispensing orifice includes a center portion and at least three legs which radiate outward from the center portion such that viscous fluid dispensed from the container has an upper surface with a plurality of ridges formed therein. A lid is also provided. The lid has a projection arranged thereon. The projection on the lid having a configuration that is complementary to the dispensing orifice and being arranged on the lid such that the projection extends into the dispensing orifice when the lid is in the closed position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application is a continuation-in-part of copending U.S. design patent filed on May 23, 2003, which is incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention pertains to dispensers for topically-applied viscous fluids for personal care such as lotions, creams and gels, and related methods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Topically-applied viscous fluids for personal care such as body moisturizing lotions and creams, sun block and sunscreen lotions, body and hair gels and medicinal lotions and creams are frequently dispensed from containers either by squeezing the container itself or via a mechanism such as a hand pump. A wide variety of different types of dispensers exist for such topical lotion containers. Unfortunately, existing lotion dispensers have a number of problems. One such problem, particularly with dispensers for body moisturizing lotions, is that the dispensed lotion has a thick, heavy appearance that is unappealing to many consumers. Thus, a need exists for a dispenser that improves the appearance of the dispensed lotion as well as addresses other problems with existing lotion dispensers.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Accordingly in view of the foregoing, the invention provides a dispenser for dispensing topically-applied viscous fluids for personal care such as lotions, creams, or gels from a container that provides the dispensed fluid with an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The dispenser includes a cap arranged on the container with a dispensing orifice provided therein. The dispensing orifice includes a center portion and at least three legs that radiate outward from the center portion such that viscous fluid dispensed from the container has an upper surface with a plurality of ridges formed therein. As a result of this configuration, the dispensed fluid has a plurality of ridges formed in the surface thereof which give the dispensed fluid a lighter, whipped appearance.

[0005] Desirably, the dispenser further includes a lid, the lid preferably including a projection arranged thereon. The projection on the lid has a configuration that is complementary to the dispensing orifice, and is arranged on the lid such that the projection extends into the dispensing orifice when the lid is in the closed position.

[0006] These and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative container having a dispenser constructed in accordance with the present invention incorporated into an exemplary container cap.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cap and dispenser of FIG. 1.

[0009] FIG. 3 is top plan view of the cap and dispenser of FIG. 1.

[0010] FIG. 4 is side view of the cap and dispenser of FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a front view of the cap and dispenser of FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a side view of the cap and dispenser of FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the cap and dispenser of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a dispenser according to the present invention incorporated into an illustrative cap of an exemplary container.

[0015] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a dispenser according to the present invention incorporated into an illustrative cap of an exemplary container.

[0016] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment of a dispenser according to the present invention incorporated into an illustrative cap of an exemplary container.

[0017] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a dispenser according to the present invention incorporated into an illustrative cap of an exemplary container.

[0018] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment of a dispenser according to the present invention incorporated into an illustrative cap of an exemplary container.

[0019] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a dab of lotion dispensed via a dispenser according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Referring now to FIG. 1 of the drawings there is shown an illustrative container 12 having a cap 14 incorporating a dispenser according to the present invention. The illustrated container 12 consists of a conventional squeeze container for dispensing a topical lotion. However, it will be understood that the present invention is not limited for use with any particular container type or configuration. Instead, the present invention can be used with any container within which topically-applied viscous fluids can be stored. Moreover, the present invention is not limited to dispensing any particular topically-applied viscous fluid, rather it can be used with any suitable topically-applied viscous fluid including, for example, lotions, gels and creams such as body moisturizers, sun-blocks, sunscreens, hair gels and colorants, and medicines. As used herein, the term lotion generically refers to all of the topically-applied viscous fluids with which the present invention may be used.

[0021] Fluids suitable for use in connection with the inventive device and method desirably have a viscosity that permits the fluid to retain the shape imparted to the fluid by the orifice described herein upon dispensing from the container. In this regard, the fluid desirably has a viscosity of at least 10,000 centipoise, more desirably 35,000 centipoise, up to about 75,000 centipoises. The viscosity of the fluid (at 25° C.) may be determined using a Brookfield Viscometer RVT-F at 5 rpm.

[0022] The fluids desirably used in the present invention, while typically non-toxic, are not intended to be edible. These fluids, commonly used to enhance the skin (dermis) and/or hair, are water-based and may contain any number of components in addition to water, such as surfactants, oils, fragrances and the like. Illustrative of one dermatologically-enhancing fluid is a body lotion that comprises water, oil, an emulsifier, and a humectant. In addition to the primary components, optional components include fragrances, colorants (e.g., to impart uniform or varying (such as stripes) coloration to the dispersed product), and reflective particles (e.g., flakes to impart a sparkle effect to the product).

[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, the cap 14 has a generally cylindrical configuration including an upper wall 16 and a sidewall 18 depending downward from the upper wall (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The cap 14 can be secured to the container 12 by any suitable method including a threaded or snap-on connection or the cap could be integral with the body of the container. While the illustrated cap 14 has a generally circular cross-section, the cap is not limited to any particular shape or configuration. For example, an embodiment wherein a dispenser according to the invention is incorporated into a cap 14 having a generally rectangular cross-section is shown in FIG. 12.

[0024] For dispensing lotion from the container 12, the cap 14 includes an orifice or aperture 20 configured such that the dispensed lotion has a light and fluffy appearance that is appealing to consumers. To this end, the dispensing orifice 20 has a generally star or asterisk shape including a plurality of legs 24 that radiate outward from a center portion 22 of the orifice (see, e.g., FIGS. 3 and 7). In this case, each of the legs 24 of the orifice 20 consists of a pair of opposing and parallel sidewalls 26 that are joined at their distal ends by an end wall 28 that extends perpendicular to the pair of sidewalls 26 (see, e.g., FIG. 7). As a result of this orifice configuration, the dispensed lotion has a plurality of ridges formed in the surface that give the dispensed lotion (see FIG. 13) an aesthetically pleasing lighter, whipped appearance. The dispensing orifice 20 illustrated in FIGS. 1-7 includes a center portion 22 and five radiating legs 24. However, the dispensed lotion will have a similar appearance if an orifice 20 having a different number of radiating legs 24 is used. For example, embodiments wherein the orifice 20 has six and four radiating legs 24 are illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, respectively. To achieve the desired appearance of the dispensed lotion, the orifice should have at least 3 radiating legs, but could have 4, 5 or 6 legs. More legs could be added depending on the size of the orifice.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the lotion is forced out of the container 12 through the orifice 20 by squeezing the body of the container. However, other methods of dispensing the lotion from the container 12 could be used. For example, the cap could include a hand-operated pump that draws the lotion out of the container. In such a case, the dispensing orifice can be located at the discharge end of the pump.

[0026] To shield the dispensing orifice 20 when the dispenser is not in use, the cap 14 can include an associated lid 30. In this instance, the lid 30 has a generally circular shape that complements the shape of the cap 14. The illustrated lid 30 comprises a flip-top lid that is connected to the cap 14 via a flexible hinge 31 that permits the lid 30 to pivot between open and closed positions. In the open position, the lid 30 is pivoted upward and away from the upper wall 16 of the cap 14 so as to facilitate dispensing of lotion from the container 12. In the closed position, the lid 30 overlies the upper wall 16 of the cap 14. To ensure that the lid 30 seals tightly against the upper wall 16 of the cap 14, the lid includes a downwardly extending peripheral skirt 32 that fits over an annular ridge 34 on the upper wall of the cap 14 when the lid is in the closed position (see FIGS. 1 and 2). It will be understood that a lid other than a hinged lid could be used such as a separate snap- or screw-on lid.

[0027] To further seal the dispensing orifice 20 as well as clean-out any lotion remnants, the lid 30 includes a complementarily shaped projection 36 on the inside or lower surface of the lid 30. This projection 36 is aligned with the dispensing orifice 20 such that when the lid 30 is placed in the closed position, the projection 36 extends into the dispensing orifice 20 thereby displacing any lotion remnants in the orifice and sealing the orifice closed. In the illustrated embodiment, the dispensing orifice 20 is arranged in a raised section 38 in the center of the upper wall 16 of the cap 14 (see FIGS. 2 and 4-6).

[0028] To facilitate insertion of the projection 36 into the orifice 20, the projection 36 is surrounded by an annular wall 40 (see FIG. 2) that is configured and arranged so as to extend in surrounding relation to the raised section 38 in the upper wall 16 of the cap 14 when the lid 30 is in the closed position. Of course, the dispensing orifice 20 could be arranged flush with surface of the upper wall 16 of the cap 14 in which case the annular wall around the projection could be eliminated as shown in FIG. 9. Additionally, a lid 30 that does not include any projection for sealing the orifice could be used as shown in FIG. 8.

[0029] From the foregoing, it can be seen that a novel dispenser for topically applied viscous fluids has been provided. In contrast to conventional dispenser configurations such as round dispensing orifices which give the dispensed fluid a heavy, thick appearance, the dispenser of the present invention gives the dispensed fluid an aesthetically pleasing lighter, whipped appearance by producing a plurality of ridges in the upper surface of the dispensed fluid.

[0030] All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

[0031] The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0032] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

1. A method for dispensing a topically-applied viscous fluid from a container comprising:

forcing the topically-applied viscous fluid through a dispensing orifice provided in the container, the dispensing orifice having a center portion and at least three legs which radiate outward from the center portion of the dispensing orifice such that the dispensed viscous fluid has a plurality of ridges formed in the surface thereof; and

closing the dispensing orifice with a lid that includes a projection having a configuration that is complementary to the dispensing orifice such that the projection extends into the dispensing orifice.

2. The method according to claim 1 wherein the step of forcing the topically-applied fluid through the dispensing orifice is accomplished by squeezing the container.

3. The method according to claim 1 wherein the step of closing the dispensing orifice is accomplished by pivoting the lid about a hinge connecting the lid to a container cap within which the orifice is arranged.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the viscous fluid is a body lotion.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the dispensing orifice has from 4 to 6 legs.

6. A dispenser for dispensing topically-applied viscous fluids from a container comprising:

a cap arranged on the container and having a dispensing orifice therein, the dispensing orifice including a center portion and at least three legs which radiate outward from the center portion of the dispensing orifice; and

a lid connected to the cap by hinge such that the lid is movable between open and closed positions, the lid having a projection arranged thereon, the projection having a configuration that is complementary to the dispensing orifice and being arranged on the lid such that the projection extends into the dispensing orifice when the lid is in the closed position.

7. The dispenser according to claim 6 wherein the orifice is arranged in a raised portion of an upper wall of the cap.

8. The dispenser according to claim 7 wherein a wall is arranged on the lid in surrounding relation to the projection such that when the lid is in the closed position the wall extends in surrounding relation to the raised portion of the upper wall of the cap.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the viscous fluid is a body lotion.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the dispensing orifice has from 4 to 6 legs.

11. A dispenser for dispensing topically-applied viscous fluids from a container comprising:

a cap arranged on the container and having a dispensing orifice therein, the dispensing orifice including a center portion and at least three legs which radiate outward from the center portion of the dispensing orifice; and

a lid having a projection arranged thereon, the projection having a configuration that is complementary to the dispensing orifice and being arranged on the lid such that the projection extends into the dispensing orifice when the lid is in the closed position.

12. The dispenser according to claim 11, wherein the orifice is arranged in a raised portion of an upper wall of the cap.

13. The dispenser according to claim 12 wherein a wall is arranged on the lid in surrounding relation to the projection such that when the lid is in the closed position the wall extends in surrounding relation to the raised portion of the upper wall of the cap.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the viscous fluid is a body lotion.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the dispensing orifice has from 4 to 6 legs.

16. A dispenser for dispensing topically-applied viscous fluids from a container comprising a cap arranged on the container and having a dispensing orifice therein, the dispensing orifice including a center portion and at least three legs which radiate outward from the center portion of the dispensing orifice such that viscous fluid dispensed from the container has an upper surface with a plurality of ridges formed therein.

17. The dispenser according to claim 16 further including a lid that can be arranged over the dispensing orifice.

18. The dispenser according to claim 17 wherein the lid is a flip-top lid.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the viscous fluid is a body lotion.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the dispensing orifice has from 4 to 6 legs.